Getting to grips with baby formula can be challenging on its own, let alone while traveling!
There is so much to consider when it comes to weight restrictions, convenience, and accessibility.
While formula feeding is satisfying because you’re in control of the ingredients, it can take careful research and practice to get it right, especially if you’re traveling a lot.
Below are a few formula-feeding tips for parents on the go.
Why Travel with Formula?
Growing babies require milk for the first 12 months or so of their life. While some mothers can provide breast milk for the entire duration, many are either unable to produce enough milk or require supplements to top up their supply. This is where formula comes in.
Composed of a combination of milk products or alternative types of milk, formula is basically any type of milk that isn’t breast milk.
When it comes to traveling, it is worth considering the different types of formula available and whether you also want to opt more for breastfeeding (if that’s possible).
Top Formula Tips for Traveling
Feeding your baby formula requires some practice, especially if it’s your first time or if you are alternating between breast and bottle.
Below are a few top tips to help you get the most of your feeding time when you’re traveling:
Choose the Right Formula
Before you start, research the best ingredients for your baby. For example, are you planning to go with dairy, vegan baby formula, or even non-soy?
The other consideration to make is weight.
While it can be convenient to go with pre-packaged milk, luggage weight restrictions can make this difficult. In this case, you may need to opt for powdered versions instead.
Pack a Formula Dispenser
Once you’ve established the ingredients of your formula, you’ll want to consider packing a dispenser for the formula as well.
This allows you to dispense out pre-measured amounts, rather than having to do it for each feeding time.
Depending on the amount of traveling you’re doing, having a dispenser like this can save you loads of time!
Pack Extra
Like many things, you can sometimes end up using more of the things you brought with you.
When it comes to babies and formula, you never want to be caught without so it’s best to always pack extra just in case.
This is especially important if you’re traveling to a rural area or another country where it might be difficult to source formula ingredients.
Put Everything in Your Carry-On
This might sound like a challenge, but it means that you have everything you need, should the airline accidentally lose your luggage.
Lost or delayed luggage happens more often than people think, so it’s best to be prepared ahead of time.
Again, this is where it’s useful to opt for lighter formula ingredients if possible.
There are size and weight restrictions when it comes to carry-on, so you’ll need to find ways to be as efficient and economical as possible.
